Radio frequency identification enabled wrench system and a method of operating the same

Abstract

A radio identification enabled wrench system is disclosed. The system includes a template having multiple RFID tags. The template also corresponds to a part associated with a particular fastener that is associated with each of the multiple RFID tags. The system further includes a torque wrench having a RFID reader and a RFID antenna and a means for identifying what fastener the wrench is being used upon and whether the correct torque has been applied to the fastener and configured to provide a feedback for a user. The system includes a means for transferring data that may be either wired or wireless.

1 . A radio frequency identification enabled wrench system comprising:
 a template comprising a plurality of RFID tags, the template corresponding to a part associated with a particular fastener associated with each RFID tag;   a torque wrench comprising a RFID reader and a RFID antenna and a means for identifying what fastener the wrench is being used upon and whether the correct torque has been applied to the fastener and configured to provide a feedback for a user; and   a microprocessor configured to:
 automate and record data received from the torque wrench; and 
 communicate information back and forth with the torque wrench and the user, the information comprising:
 a desired amount of torque to be applied to the fastener; 
 a desired sequence of tightening; and 
 history of a plurality of fasteners previously tightened. 
 
   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the template comprises a tape of polymer or nylon. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the torque wrench comprises a sensor configured to indicate when an appropriate torque has been applied. 
   
   
       4 . (canceled) 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the fastener comprises a bolt. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the feedback comprises display of a torque setting to the user. 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the feedback comprises display of a location of the torque wrench to the user. 
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the feedback comprises display of the torque applied to the fastener by the torque wrench to the user. 
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the torque wrench is handheld. 
   
   
       10 . A method of operation comprising:
 locating a template on a part, the template having a plurality of tags disposed upon it and the part having a plurality of fasteners to be tightened, the template being disposed upon the part such that each of the plurality of tags is associated with a particular fastener;   placing a torque wrench onto a first fastener of the plurality of fasteners;   detecting the tag on the template associated with the first fastener using a reader attached to the torque wrench;   sending the information identifying the tag on the template from the reader to a microprocessor;   looking up a correct alignment of the torque wrench with the first fastener;   providing an indication of the correct alignment of the wrench with the first fastener;   providing an indication for the appropriate amount of torque: that includes a reader capable of detecting the tag associated with the fastener;   determining the next fastener of the plurality of fasteners to be tightened in sequence; and   providing an indication of which fastener among the plurality is the next fastener to be tightened in sequence.   
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising recording data using the microprocessor. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein providing an indication for the correct alignment comprises displaying a specific color on a screen of a user. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein providing an indication for the correct alignment comprises playing a sound on a screen of a user. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein providing an indication for the appropriate amount of torque applied comprises displaying a specific color on a screen of a user. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein providing an indication for the appropriate amount of torque applied comprises displaying a specific message on a screen of a user. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein providing an indication for the appropriate amount of torque applied comprises playing a sound on a screen of a user. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein recording data comprises storing information regarding amount of torque applied and ID of plurality of fasteners already tightened on the microprocessor. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein recording data comprises maintaining history and configuration of an engine.